St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-12-30
THEY CHATTED GRAMMAR.
Topics of the State Teachers Associa-
ton at Its Last Sessions.
OFFICERS WERE ELECTED.
An Exhibition of the Work Done at the
Farihault Deaf Mute Insti-
tuition.

The large audience room at the High
school building was well filled yester-
day morning with the members Of the
State Teachers association. AS it was
the last day of the session, the discus
sionS were of more that ordinary inter-
est. Supt. Taylor, of st. Paul, read
valuable and carefully prepared paper on
the subject, Language and Grammar"
Teachers should fully appreciate the
needs of language to pupil as branch
of educatiOn," he said, paying atten-
ton to the generalization, which in its
time will come of itself, if only cul-
tivaued. The principal function of
grammar is to enable us to express our
selves with prOpriety and correctness.
Processes of analysis and rules of
syntaX are useful, only in so
far as they lead to this end. Correct
ness in the use of language should be
the end of grammar. COnfining the
study to theoretical exposition alone,
will not fully accomplish this work, as
it contains nothing practical. Grammar
is the science of the sentence, and the
pupil should be given practical in
sight into the science with the view of
cultivating thorOughness in the con-
StructiOn of sentences. AS there are so
many who never get beyond the gram
mar school in their studies, this course
should be made as practical as possible,
so as to insure the best possible results.
The grammar saves time by categOriZ-
works for their direct and correct appli-
cation. 1t is the means to, an
end-it is not the end itself.
Knowing the rules of grammar one can
converse correctly. The great fallacy
created with regard to the system of
language study is that it does away
with all this generalization. A cOmbina-
ton of these two, language and gram
mar. might be made with much better
results"
THE DISCUSSION.
The discussion on this paper was
opened by Supt. Lewis, of Hastings,
who advocated thorough and technical
study of grammar, as well as language,
teaching grammar as science. The
discussion was continued by Prof. Bry-
ant, of st. Paul, Assistant State Supt.
Pendergast and Supt. Bradley, of Min
neapolis. ''The principle we learn by
doing" said the latter, sis productive of
SameneSS of the usual language lesson
does not answer the purpose"
'Principles of Education and Grad
ing" was the subject of an interesting
paper by Supt. Rankin, of OwatOnna.
''There should be discipline and a
drill in all education" said the speaker.
Examinations should not be held at set
times or intervals. Promotions by classes
ought not to be made. 1t is as great
folly to suppose that whole class will
keep together during term, as to be-
lieve that the pupils will run round
block together"
Prof. Moves, of the deaf and dumb
institute at Faribault, then gave re-
view of the progress OF the work OF
training and instruction in his branch
of work i'll the past few years. Little
Frank HoltOn, of st. Paul, boy OF
to illustrate what had been done in
three months. Sign Rotations were
given by Carrie Brown and Myra Gage,
girls of about eight or nine years, inter-
preted by Mrs. Smith, one of the teach
ers. Master j. l.. Howard, of Duluth,
who has spent about five years at the
esylum. gave exhibitions of his skill in
composition, which were wonderful.
THE LAST SESSION.
= The afternoon session of the aSSOcla
ton was called to order about 2 O'Clock,
with rather slim attendance. Many
of the teachers had left during the fore
n Don, while many others took in the
Panorama during the afternoon. Supt.
w. S. Hammond, of Madelia, read
paper on the Tenure of Office" The
discussion on this topic was opened by
Prof. Robinson. of Faribault, who was
followed by Supt. Reynolds, of Fergus
Falls, President West, of Faribault,
Supt. Lewis, of Hastings, and Prof. III.
p. Judson, of Minneapolis.
The election of officers for the ensu-
ing year was the next thing to engage
the attention of the convention. 1t re-
suited as follows: President, G. W. &.
Hyde, of ST. Cloud; vice president, IL.
S. Baker, of st. Paul; secretary, I.
Bliss, Henderson; treasurer, +. X.
Getchell, and corresponding secretary,
Edgar George, st. Charles. After pass
ing a memorial resolution in honor of
Rev. Edward r. Thwing,,late master of
Uppingham school, England, the con-
vention adjourned subject to the call of
the president next year.